As March Madness narrows to the Sweet 16, former NBA player and coach Avery Johnson has boldly declared that Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. stands alone as the tournament’s premier talent. The senior guard’s clutch performance against two-time defending champion UConn has catapulted him into the national spotlight.
Clayton’s tournament heroics, including 23 points with critical late-game 3-pointers against the Huskies, have transformed him from transfer talent to potential NCAA legend. Leading the top-seeded Gators to their first Sweet 16 since 2017, Clayton has demonstrated why Johnson believes the All-American stands above other remaining stars.
The Clayton Effect: Numbers Don’t Lie
“I like his size, hand-eye coordination, shooting ability, leadership,” Johnson told CBS Sports dissecting what makes Clayton special. “And because you have that type of coach and high basketball IQ on the floor, it helps elevate Coach Todd Golden.” This comprehensive skill set has made Clayton the focal point of Florida’s tournament run.
“I think Walter Clayton Jr. is the best player left in the tournament.”
– @CoachAvery6 pic.twitter.com/8DAS6lMEPr
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 27, 2025
Clayton enters the Sweet 16 averaging 17.5 points per game for the season but has elevated his play when it matters most. His tournament scoring has jumped to 23 points per game while shooting a blistering 52.9% from 3-point range.
The senior’s combination of volume scoring and efficiency has been the driving force behind Florida’s 32-4 record.
Tournament Implications: Maryland Matchup Looms
As Florida prepares to face Maryland in San Francisco, Clayton’s performance will be under intense scrutiny.
Maryland coach Kevin Willard has already begun strategizing against Clayton, noting his shooting tendencies differ significantly depending on direction, 48% when moving left versus 38% going right.
Johnson acknowledged Maryland’s coaching strength but remained adamant about Clayton’s advantage.
“With all due respect to Coach Kevin Willard… The one thing that Coach Todd Golden has that Coach Kevin Willard doesn’t have, he’s got Walter Clayton Jr. With all due respect to Coach Kevin from Maryland, I think Walter Clayton is the best player left in the tournament.”
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While stars like Duke’s Cooper Flagg and Auburn’s Johni Broome continue to impress, Clayton’s tournament ceiling appears limitless. Currently sitting at +600 odds for Most Outstanding Player behind only Flagg and Broome. Clayton could join the elite lineage of guard-driven tournament MVPs.
As Johnson stated, “He’s that good, guys. And he can explode for 30 at any time.”
With Florida ranking first in KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency and all four No. 1 seeds still alive, Clayton’s ability to maintain this extraordinary level of play could be the difference between Florida cutting down the nets in San Antonio or heading home disappointed.
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